Use of the Water Submeter to Bill Tenants Fairly and Equitably

Landlords who own multi-tenant housing complexes such as apartment buildings are well aware of the consequences of wasted water, on both the environment and their monthly budget.

Before the early 1980s, there was no alternative to a one-size-fits-all water bill, but even today many landlords do not use a water submeter to fairly and equitably track their tenants’ consumption each month.

What is a Submeter?
A water submeter is an alternative to traditional water meters that allows landlords to bill tenants for only what amount of water they actually used each month. Important water saving measures are set in place with the use of this environmentally and economically beneficial system, and many landlords have noticed that the cost of installing the meter in the first place soon paid itself off.

A submeter is fair on the tenant and financially smart for the landlord, who would otherwise have to pay a monthly bill regardless of how much water was being consumed by each tenant. Tenants are often amazed at how much water they waste when they are not aware of sudden leaks—but having access to a submeter on the property allows everyone to become aware of any unexpected, suspicious spikes in consumption very quickly.

Who Benefits?
Any size of housing complex with a large number of tenants would benefit from a water submeter. Whether you are a landlord of a building with 700 residents or the owner of a community with a high number of houses, being aware of your tenants’ water consumption is important, and a submeter is one of the easiest, least stressful ways of tracking the use of water over time.

If you have not yet considered using this system, consider contacting your local water services provider, who will tell you approximately how long it will take to install a submeter on your property, and how much it will likely cost.

Water is a precious, limited resource, and acquiring a submeter system helps you do your part to help the environment while also providing fair services to your tenants. Water management companies are well trained in installation and can provide you with fast, efficient services. In addition, they can answer any questions that may arise in the future.